The military appointed Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar as its 15th commander in the fight against Boko Haram, extremist’s insurgency in the northeast, Reuben Kovangiya, Spokesperson for the operation, said in a statement.

Abubakar's previous roles include deputy commandant of the Nigerian Defence College and commander of a major security operation in north-central Nigeria. 

Boko Haram and its splinter rival, the extremist State West Africa Province, have increased attacks in recent weeks in northeast Nigeria. 

These incidents have raised fears of a major comeback by the jihadists, whose tactics now include armed drones and explosive devices planted on major roads, security experts said. 

On Tuesday, the extremist claimed responsibility for an attack on Borno state that killed at least 26 people, the group said in a statement on Telegram. 

--Reuters--